Message from the President: Announcement of appointment of Chief of Government and Community Relations

York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton issues the following announcement to the University community:

Ijade Maxwell Rodrigues

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ijade Maxwell Rodrigues as Chief of Government and Community Relations, effective January 1st, 2018. Ijade has more than 18 years of experience in various roles at York University, most recently performing a combined role as Chief of Staff to the President and Director, Government Relations. She has provided leadership in creating and implementing a range of community engagement initiatives for the University, including Red & White Days, President for a Day and the President’s Annual Town Halls; and she has been very successful in building stronger relationships with government stakeholders across all three levels of government.

As Chief of Government and Community Relations, Ijade will report directly to the President and lead the Government and Community Relations Office, coordinating efforts across the campus in seeking out new funding opportunities, and influencing policy issues of strategic importance to York University. Importantly, she will be responsible for developing long-term relationships with key government stakeholders at all three levels of government as well as community stakeholders in order to raise our profile with external stakeholders and advance the University’s strategic priorities in the four broad areas of access, connectedness, excellence and impact.

Ijade is currently Chair, Board of Directors for the Carea Community Health Centre in Durham Region. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education and Community Connection. Ijade holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Victoria, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Science from York University.

I look forward to Ijade’s continued contribution as a member of my senior leadership team and toward the advancement of our strategic priorities and enhancement of the important relationships with our community and government partners. The search for a new Chief of Staff for the Office of the President will commence shortly. In the meantime, Ijade will continue to provide support to me as Chief of Staff until this role is filled.

Please join me in congratulating and wishing her well in this new role. I know she will enjoy the support of colleagues across the University.

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